Lung Cancer Alliance Commends Senator Mark Warner For His Support For Lung Cancer Research

New Cosponsor of S. 332, the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act

Washington, DC [August 10, 2010] --
Today, Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) commended Senator Mark Warner (D-VA)
for joining his colleagues in support of legislation to fund a more
comprehensive plan of action on lung cancer. Warner’s endorsement
brings to 20 the total number of United States Senators backing S. 332,
The Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act (LCMRA), first-ever legislation
to authorize a multi-agency five year program to reduce the mortality
rate of lung cancer.

“We could not be more pleased to have Senator Warner’s
backing for this critically important legislation,” said Laurie Fenton
Ambrose, President & CEO of Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA). “His
support continues to build momentum and sends a long-overdue message of
hope to the lung cancer community in Virginia and across this country
that a better and more comprehensive plan of action will be
established.”

Lung cancer continues to be the number one cause of
cancer death both nationally and in every state including Virginia,
causing more deaths each year than breast, prostate, colon, kidney,
melanoma and liver cancers -- combined.

The key highlights of the bill require the Secretaries
of Health and Human Services, Defense and Veterans Affairs to combine
forces on a comprehensive, coordinated plan of action with funding
authorized for five years to accomplish the mortality reduction goal.

“I know first-hand the devastating toll caused by this
disease and how deeply stigmatized and misunderstood lung cancer is
within both the public and medical community’s minds,” said Alex Spira,
MD, Medical Director, Medical Oncology Program, Inova Thoracic
Oncology Program and Virginia Cancer Specialists, “and this situation
has contributed to research under funding.” Spira continued, “It is
heartening to know that Senator Warner recognizes this tragic situation
and is willing to help all those either living with or at risk for lung
cancer – as that is exactly what S. 332 sets out to do.”

Other elements of S. 332 and its House companion bill HR
2112, would require the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to review its
funding priorities in order to meet the lung cancer mortality reduction
goal and require that more National Institutes of Health be made part
of the comprehensive plan, including the National Institute of Heart,
Lung and Blood, the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and
Bioengineering and the National Institute for Environmental Health,
among others.

“As a survivor who shared my story with the Senator and
his staff, it gives me such hope that a better way forward may soon be
realized,” said Melanie Smith, LCA-VA advocate. “As a never smoker
whose lung cancer was found at an early treatable stage, I am grateful
for Senator Warner’s sensitivity, understanding and desire to help all
those affected by lung cancer. Whether you are a current, former or
never smoker – no one deserves lung cancer – no one”.

The majority of lung cancer cases are diagnosed in
former smokers (60%) and never-smokers (20%). In addition, lung
cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women, among men and
in every ethnic group. Military men and women are also at an elevated
risk as compared to their civilian counterparts.